Santee Indian Mound and Fort Watson

Santee Indian Mound is an earthen rise near Summerton built by Native Americans over several hundred years and later modified by military forces. The structure reaches above the surrounding terrain and shows physical evidence of both ceremonial and defensive uses across different time periods.

The mound grew over centuries as an important gathering and ceremonial place for the local population before European settlement arrived. In 1780 British soldiers quickly built defensive structures on top to control the region during the Revolutionary War.

The mound shows traces of different groups who used this place over long periods. Visitors can observe how people first gathered on the high ground to watch the surrounding lands, then later built military defenses on the same spot.

The site sits within a wildlife refuge and is reasonably easy to access. Wear proper footwear since the mound is walkable but the ground can be damp, especially after rain.

British soldiers built defenses on top that seemed difficult to attack, but American troops secretly erected a tall wooden tower overnight that looked down on the fortification. The sudden height advantage forced the British to abandon their position without a major fight.